Signing up to Extras Agencies
If you’ve decided that you want to become a Supporting Artiste and enter the world of film and TV as an ‘extra’, here’s some useful advice for you.  Firstly I’m going to look at some the information you need to have to hand, then I’ll get into the process of choosing agencies, followed by the sign-up process itself and finally a brief look at what happens next. Just a quick note before moving on that I’m writing this post with experience of the UK industry, so a lot of it probably doesn’t apply outside of the UK. Information you’ll need
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Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow, on the banks of the Clyde, was a great place to be in for the day.  The view out of the aircraft window showed the extent of the beautiful wintry landscape which got better and better the further and further north I went. One of the great thing was the difference in the conditions between just before landing and in the city centre, as seen in the photos below.  Cold – yes, but wintry – not really. Travelling was enjoyable too, with a particular mention for the Upperdeck Lounge at Glasgow Airport which was spacious,
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Belfast
Since 2012 when the Titanic Belfast experience opened I have wanted to see it and finally I got the chance to take a look, combining it with a quick look around the city which I hadn’t done for a long time.   The exhibition, which you could call an ‘experience’, is really worth taking a look if you are in any way interested in the whole story, from the history of shipbuilding in the city right through to the aftermath of the disaster and its legacy in terms of safety at sea.  It’s very tastefully and expertly done, with an
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Are you right for it? 10 traits of the successful SA
I have been asked a lot about what being an SA is really like.  The world of the ‘extra’ is a fairly unique one and it really does need a certain type of person in order for it to work for the individual, agency and production. Getting in to the industry properly is a long term thing, so if you really are considering it, ask yourself whether you have the ten qualities I’m talking about below before you sign up.   Alongside each one I’ve tried to explain why it’s important to everyone involved. Really flexible diary: If you a
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Liechtenstein & Zurich
I like microstates.  The European ones are in beautiful locations, there’s always some notable things you won’t find elsewhere, each one is there because of some interesting history and there’s always a really curious mix of people drawn to them, for various reasons (which may or may not be tax related). Liechtenstein – a double-landlocked nation – is one of those places and, combined with a visit to Zurich, makes for an interesting couple of days.   A quick travel tip at this point: if you’re based in London or the counties to the south and east of it, consider
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Why do it? Benefits of the unique role of an SA
So, you’re considering becoming a Supporting Artiste – an Extra – in film & TV.   (Well, maybe you’re not – but that’s who this post is aimed at.) On the one hand, “showbiz” is seen by many as glamorous and exciting; on the other hand, the last couple of decades has allowed those not in the industry to get a more realistic look at what really goes on behind the scenes – and it’s definitely interesting and unique but certainly not glamorous.  What are the real benefits of being involved in this industry as someone on screen but not
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